Amendment 27

Coloradans support reform, and reform works. Amendment 27 is a constitutional amendment passed by the voters in 2002 that curbs the influence of special interests in Colorado elections. Amendment 27:

· Curtailed skyrocketing election costs and endless negative campaign ads. This law sets voluntary spending limits ranging from $74,025 for a state house seat to $2.8 million for the governor's race, so now elections will be about more than just fundraising, and average Coloradans will be able to run for office.

· Stopped huge contributions from wealthy special interests. Amendment 27 sets reasonable contribution limits -- $200 per election for legislative candidates and $550 per election for statewide candidates. Politicians will have to build support from a broad base of voters, not just the few who write big checks.

· Prevented corporations like Qwest from buying direct access and influence. Teddy Roosevelt first championed banning corporate contributions nearly a century ago. This law bans direct contributions from corporations and labor unions.

· Shed the light on deceptive attack ads. So-called "educational committees" ran misleading attack ads, but did not have to say who's paying for them. This law requires full disclosure of the money behind these attacks.

· Encourages greater participation from ordinary citizens. Small donor committees were created to accept contributions no greater than $50 per person. By allowing citizens to organize themselves, small donor committees give those making small contributions a greater voice in the electoral process through their strength in numbers.